The Slave Sculptor — page 22: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

24 THE SLAVE SCULPTOR. ‘* Because I have work for you, myself; ’’ the man replied coolly, ‘‘ Ah! perhaps I can do it. What's to be done?”’ “You will have to accompany me to my residence in order to learn. The work will have to be performed there; and [am in a great h for it.’’ ™ tie ea will it take? *” “‘T could not say. Not long, I think.’’ «¢ When do you want me?’’ ‘“‘ This, or to-morrow evening you can come and see what I want, then do the work as soon as possible.” ‘* T will come to-morrow evening.” “ Very well, I shall expect you at dark.”’ Cruzilli immediately left the studio, well pleased with his success; while Maxtla, unconscious of the villain’s game, continued with his labor, his thoughts upon the fair Mazina. Until dusk he labored undisturbed, then walked forth, toward Lord Ahuitzol’s palace. it k surrounding the home of his loved one, he moved slowly along beneath the tall cypresses, picking his way shrubbery and i en. While passing through a cluster of intermingling foliage, he heard a low sob, and paused. Again he heard the sob, this time accom- panied by a prolonged sigh. Pushing the bushes aside, he forward into a small opening., It was qvite dark, yet he saw outline of a woman. That it was her for whom he was seeking his heart told him. ** Mazina ! ”” ‘¢Maxtla ! Oh, I am so glad that you have come!’ They were soon seated upon the grassy mound, from which Ma- zina had just arisen, when Ma‘xtla asked anxiously : — ‘* Why this unusual sadness? You was not thus, until quite re- cently.’’ «No, Maxtla,’? was the low reply. ‘‘°Tis not natural for me — to be sad; but my sorrows are more than I can endure.’’ aR we a aa ell Tol Shasin "adeand anal agitated , and ; of Toluca. Mazina ap; : while relating the ae " howe but or friend at the palace.” ait os S is tl *? inquired Maxtla, his mind upon the events MiMi «* Ahuitzol’s slave ? *” ‘* Yes; she appears to be very friendly. Were it not for hercoun- sel and advice, I do not know what I should have done. I think she is good hearted and loves me.”’ ‘I fear Mazina, that you are deceived in her. Somehcw I have taken a great dislike to her. I look upon her as possessed of a wicked heart; yet I hope I am mistaken.”’ el comiiclbooks.com